Soviet tanks patrolling Budapest, 1956 – photo Nagy Gyula
The vast majority of Australians are immigrants, or descendants of immigrants from another land. Some coming by choice, some by circumstances beyond their control.
One small group came from Hungary.
THE UPRISING
On a cold October evening in 1956, the streets of Budapest filled with angry people. Workers and students. Hungarian flags waving, but with the hated communist coat of arms cut from their centre, leaving a ragged hole.
Following the bloody invasion during World War 2, the country had lived under increasingly brutal Soviet domination, the Communist Party controlling every aspect of life. Secret police terrified the population. Political opponents were arrested, imprisoned or disappeared. Newspapers and radio were controlled, criticism of the government was dangerous, the people enduring endless shortages, deprivations and fear.
The 1956 demonstration became a demand for freedom of speech, the withdrawal of Soviet troops and the right for Hungary to determine its own future.
But the secret police opened fire. Budapest erupted. The people fought back. Soldiers joined the revolutionaries. Barricades appeared in the streets. Young men grabbed rifles and made Molotov cocktails. They took on Soviet tanks with astonishing courage.
For a few exhilarating days, the impossible seemed possible. That Hungary might finally break free.
A new prime minister and announced sweeping reforms. Proposed Hungary leave the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. While the Hungarians demanded freedom, the Soviet leadership feared losing control of a strategically vital country in the heart of Eastern Europe.
MOSCOW’S RESPONSE
On 4 November, Moscow’s answer arrived with tanks thundering through narrow streets, resistance fighters firing from windows and rooftops. Fires burning and smoke hanging over the city. Ordinary families sheltering wherever they can.
Girl defying the might of the Soviet Union – Photo Anders Engman
Despite their desperate fight against one of the world's great military powers, within days, the uprising was crushed. Thousands were killed, many more arrested, and 200,000 Hungarians fled the country.
Some 14,000 given refuge in Australia.
An extraordinary moment when ordinary people risked everything to decide their destiny.
WHY IT STILL MATTERS
Hungary in 1956 has a striking resemblance to Ukraine today.
Both neighbouring countries, both with a similar aggressive enemy. Both with the determination to control their own future in the face of overwhelming military pressure from a much larger neighbour.
WHY CHOOSE HUNGARY?
Touring Europe in my late 20’s, Budapest in the summer was one of my favourite places. Swims in the Danube and some incredible spas and public baths, incredible architecture, a great restaurant experience and fascinating and at times, tragic history.
A fondness reinforced by a much more recent visit during winter with my wonderful wife.
More about Hungarian visits on: https://www.williamsimsbooks.com/blog/william-sims-2/why-does-outback-vengeance-commence-in-hungary-12
ALL PART OF THE STORY
So it’s understandable that Hungary became my choice for the birthplace of the main character in Outback Vengeance, one of the Outback Adventures book series.
Handsome and charismatic, Marton Landor escapes the 1956 uprising and becomes a child refugee in Australia. Finally free, he embraces the surfer lifestyle before fate forces him to settle in Central Australia, where his future again stretches beyond his control. Painfully discovering that freedom comes at a price.
Inspired by his childhood’s chivalrous indoctrination, Marton commits to a crusade to eliminate a festering cancer, to make the world a better place.
But what is his target?
The 1956 Fight for Freedom